CROWDS filled the streets of Ludlow to see off the traditional Boxing Day hunt.

Since the Hunting Act came into law nearly a decade ago banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, huntsmen have followed trails of scent to carry on the tradition of the fox hunt.

A crowd of around 1,000 people filled the streets of Ludlow and Ludlow Castle where people mingled with those on horseback.

There was also a chance to speak to members of Ludlow Hunt and meet its hounds.

Between 70 and a 100 people took part in the hunt itself.

The Countryside Alliance says around 45,000 people follow hunts on a regular basis, while more than 11,000 benefit from work created by hunts including saddlers, vets and feed merchants.